Major Child Rescue Operation Uncovers Abuse in Malaysian Charity Homes

Malaysian authorities have rescued over 400 children and teens from charity homes managed by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB). These operations, linked to a banned religious sect, involved neglect, abuse, and sexual harassment. Police arrested 171 individuals, while GISB denied the allegations, pledging to cooperate with the probe.

Malaysian authorities have successfully rescued more than 400 children and teenagers suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes run by the prominent Islamic business organization, Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB), with connections to a banned religious sect, according to the top police official.

During coordinated raids on 20 premises across two Malaysian states, the Inspector-General of Police, Razarudin Husain, announced the arrest of 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers (ustazs). Among those rescued were 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17, following reports of neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, and molestation.

GISB, which conducts businesses in multiple countries, denied allegations of exploiting children as workers. Preliminary investigations revealed the minors were children of GISB employees and had suffered multiple forms of abuse. The case is being investigated under laws related to sexual offences against children and human trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies.)